Bicycle Friendly Communities

Manhattan, KS | Bronze Level

Recent bicycling investment: The City constructed an underpass for an 18 mile continuous multi-use path that circles the city. The underpass at HWY 24 and Marlatt Road allows bicyclists to safely cross a high-speed 4-lane highway.

Bicycling highlights: Over the past year the City has diligently reviewed the success of other cities and then carefully analyzed its own needs. Through this process the City was able to completely re-imagine itself and develop a clear path to becoming a unique bike-friendly community by emphasizing what will work for its specific size, topography, and culture. The new plan was enthusiastically supported by community members and the city commission when presented at City Hall. The plan involves a complete "green grid" of streets and paths that will allow all types of cyclists to access all the major destinations of the city.
In the last two years, Manhattan has installed 45 Share the Road signs, 30 sharrows, wayfinding signs, and more than 30 bike racks. Bikemanhattan.info launched the "Bike Everywhere" campaign, featuring a bike-ability map showing people exactly how they can get to every destination in town on the "greenest" (safest) streets and paths. Additionally, city staff have ensured that all new and renovated commercial construction in the last two years has been bike-friendly by adding bike rack and making traffic patterns more conducive to bicycling.
The paradigm of bicycle culture has shifted in Manhattan. Events that were once scarcely attended are suddenly overflowing with participants. The trails, paths, and roads are well-used year round by commuters and recreational riders alike. City staff and commissioners have provided funding for bicycle specific infrastructure and actively encourage residents to engage in bicycling. The last three Mayors have enthusiastically lead rides and supported events. More city staff commute by bike to City Hall. City Staff attend rides and events to provide feedback. Local business owners actively seek sponsorship and participation in bike-related events. Kansas State University has installed bike infrastructure and hired a Sustainability Director to oversee bikeability of campus.

Percentage of arterial streets with dedicated bicycle facilities: 1%

Signature cycling events: Cycle CASA - road ride around Tuttle Creek Lake River Tails, Shootout - Mountain Bike Race, Barnyard Cross Cyclocross Race, daily rides of various kinds organized by bike shops and bike clubs.

Some coming bicycling improvements: The City of Manhattan is launching its bicycle boulevard network with a trial boulevard connecting Aggieville (the university business district) with "3rd Street" (the new downtown development). This project includes traffic calming strategies and way-finding signs with distance and time notifications.